Well Water in Waupaca County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Waupaca County contains radon, arsenic, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water.

Radon seeps into the groundwater from natural radioactive decay in the rock below the county. Arsenic occurs naturally in the bedrock and dissolves into water as it moves through the soil. PFOS is a manufactured chemical that enters some wells through contamination from industrial sites or airports.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mineral-rich rocks beneath the surface. These minerals dissolve slowly as water passes through the bedrock over many years. Hardness is common across wells in the county, though the exact levels vary from well to well.

Arsenic, chloride, PFOS, and radon have been found at elevated levels in wells across Waupaca County. Arsenic is a toxic metal that can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Chloride at high levels can harm people with heart disease or high blood pressure. PFOS is a human-made chemical that builds up in your body and can affect your immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rocks underground and increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in.

County wells tend to have hard water, which means mineral buildup is common. You might notice white scale forming on pipes, faucets, and inside appliances. Hardness can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The sodium and sulfate levels in this county are low, so those minerals are not a concern for taste or other quality-of-life issues.

We recommend testing your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and will show you exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like activated carbon filters can address some of these contaminants, and radon removal systems work for radon concerns.